MSRP Range: 1.8T - $35,000. 3.0 - $41,500

Invoice Range: 1.8T - $31,500. 3.0 - $37,500
Price Quote

MSRP As Tested: $41,500

Versions: A4 1.8T, A4 3.0

Vehicle Category: Compact Convertible

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive or optional All Wheel Drive.

Engine As Tested: 1.8-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, turbocharged and intercooled, Inline 4-cylinder, 170-horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 166 lb-ft torque at 1,950 rpm. Optional 3.0-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, turbocharged and intercooled V6, 220-horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 221-lb.-ft. of torque at 3,200 rpm.

Transmission As Tested: 5-Speed Automatic with-manual shift option and Multitronic Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT.) Optional 5- or 6-speed manual.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): I4 - 23/30, V6 - 20/27

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags, power 4-wheel disc brakes, "> Antilock Braking System, Traction Control, Hydraulic Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), Antiskid System, Automatic Rollover Protection System (ARPS) with automatic rollbar deployment.

Competition: BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK, Volvo C70

Imagine yourself about to embark on a week's vacation to a beautiful resort in a sunny clime. What car should you take? You'll need room for your luggage and the friends you're meeting there, so four seats and a trunk are a must. But what about that sun-in-your-face, wind-in-your-hair feeling that'll make the trip extra special? Well, that's what Audi created the A4 Cabriolet for.

The A4 Cabriolet is Audi's stunning four-seat convertible. Filling out the A4 lineup, the Cabriolet offers usable size, luxury appointments and a clever front wheel drive configuration. It's handsome cloth top features a well insulated inner liner that soaks up road noise as few soft top cars can. This car is as quiet on the highway as some luxury sedans.

Further that top folds down into a "box" in the trunk which protects the contents of the trunk from the top. The clever idea Audi added is that the "box" folds up (through use of a lever) that allows that extra bit of luggage space when top-up cruising is called for. If the "box" is in the up position the top cannot be lowered.

The gorgeous top is highlighted by a band of satin finished metal around the doors and front glass. The body itself is classic Audi. The lovely styling hints at what the Cabriolet's purpose is through graceful, clean unadorned curves and edges. There is nothing 'busy' or 'fussy' on the exterior of this car.

As is befitting a car of this class, the interior fit and finish are first rate. All A4 models' interiors ooze quality from their design, materials and fit and finish. Again, the styling is clean - great gauges, easy to use climate controls and audio system.

Audi interiors are carefully crafted. The attention paid to how individual pieces fit together, which provides a harmonious whole, is the envy of the industry. Few other manufacturers build interiors as good as Audi's.

Open the door and you're treated to one of the best vehicle interiors available on the market. All A4 models' interiors ooze quality from their design, materials and fit and finish. Again, the styling is clean - great gauges, easy to use climate controls and audio system.

The seats follow the German school of thought that they must offer firm support; you sit on them not in them. They are exceptionally comfortable over long distances. The seats are upholstered in leather or an optional premium leather (as part of a Premium Leather Package).

It utilizes the high tech 3.0L V6 engine and equally exotic continuously variable transmission (CVT) to provide plentiful power and pleasingly smooth shifts. Further, the CVT allows the driver to control when shifts occur when that urge to take control on an undulating road can't be resisted.

In operation this is a very good transmission and the best yet of the CVTs. It is a very polished piece as is and one can only wonder how good it will get as improvements are introduced. It delivers better fuel mileage and 0-60 performance than the available manual transmissions, quite a feat.

The A4 Cabriolet is a delight to drive. Cruising on the highway this car is very smooth. It coddles it passengers with a comfortable ride and yet provides the driver with good feedback through the steering. While not optimized for sport, it's still no slouch when it comes to the twisty bits. An optional sport suspension package is available with 17" tires and wheels for those who prefer a bit more handling prowess.

Safety is heavily emphasized in the A4 Cabriolet. Intelligent sensors control the deployment of front airbags and side airbags in the event of a significant collision.

Further Audi insists on building active safety into its vehicles. It strives to provide 'neutral' or balanced handling capabilities. Its latest version of Electronic Stabilization Program, standard throughout the A4 lineup, takes advantage of standard ABS brakes and traction control. New for this model year is "Brake Assist" that automatically increases braking force when the speed and position of brake pedal operation indicate an emergency braking situation.

Audi further protects your investment by offering one of the best warrantees in the business. A comprehensive 4-year/50,000 mile warranty covers the car from bumper to bumper and all regularly scheduled maintenance during the warranty period is performed at no charge.

Audi has brought the art of luxury top down touring in a classically designed, superbly appointed and well finished car that doesn't strain the bank account. Look for an even more affordable version of the Cabriolet when Audi launches the four-cylinder version of the A4 Cabriolet.

MORE DATA

Where Built: Germany

Seating: 4

Number of Rows: 2

Crash Test Ratings:

• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Tested
• NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Tested
• IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Tested

Length in Inches: 180.0

Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 12 years/unlimited miles corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles free Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles free scheduled maintenance.

Weight in Pounds: 3,814

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Applicable

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 18.5

Destination Charge: $660